After the record breaking winter.

May 19, 2015. After one of the most nightmarish winters since the Blizzard of 78, we are fully a month behind in our work. With over 100 inches of snow this past winter, endless cold, and snow that really did not fully melt until April (and as of last week, piles could still be found hiding in shadowy places here and there, though not in the cemetery thankfully) work that would have been done in March and April is not complete. Also with the aligning of the stars and a landslide of burials since the thaw, it is with great displeasure that I concede that there is no way things will look right for Memorial Day. We will try as much as we are able, but with three more funerals in this last week, it's not looking good. Leaves that would have been picked up will have to stay put while we try desperately to get the grass under some kind of control. Trimming will likely be lacking.
If there is a consolation, it's that we don't give up after Memorial Day passes. We will continue to work at it until it's done.. and then it will all start up again, as it does every season. Wash, rinse, repeat.

A note on the trees, its a brutal year for the inch worms, who started slow as well but are eating the trees bare. They as always particularly like any ornamental tree, the oaks, and our ancient maples are taking yet another beating. They are horrible creatures.